Solar Myths

At SolarIsland Energy, we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible performance solar energy and renewables solutions.

We take our commitment to renewables very seriously.

In our interactions with potential clients and competitors, we have encountered myths about solar power and renewable energy that hinder its adoption in the Caribbean. We have addressed several of the most common below. If you have questions about the application of solar power and renewable sources for your unique circumstances, don’t hesitate to call a SolarIsland Energy professional, who will be happy to help you.

Myth #1: Solar panel prices will continue to fall and technology will improve, making it better to wait to begin a solar project.

This myth is false.

Solar panel installation instantly assists your company to reduce the costs of your electricity needs. Utility prices are continuing to rise. In this case, the investment in solar power is not an investment in technology, but an investment in energy.

Continuing to wait to engineer a solar energy solution for your company delays the environmental benefits created by solar power, such as reduced carbon footprint and reduced pollution in our beautiful Caribbean.

Finally, certain governments and municipalities offer incentives to encourage the adoption of renewables, and these incentives do not last forever.

Myth #2: Solar energy is expensive and will never pay for itself.

This myth is false.

The truth is that an investment in a solar system is a better investment than the stock market, with almost no risk.

The cash break-even for solar is as little as 2 years, with positive cash flow over the life of the system.

When a solar system is financed, this further reduces the cost of installing a system upfront, making it a viable investment.

Myth #3: The best way to evaluate a solar proposal is cost per watt of equipment installed.

This is myth is false.

There are many factors to consider when reviewing a solar proposal, including:

Incentives on watts installed and energy produced.

Utility cost reduction based on energy produced.

The other factors which impact energy harvest such as electronics configuration, shading, & wire sizing.

Myth #4: Higher efficiency solar panels are always better.

This myth is false.

The primary advantage conveyed by higher efficiency panels is a smaller footprint; however, this often translates to a relatively small space savings – perhaps 102 high efficiency panels rather than 110.

There are much more important factors to consider when purchasing solar panels, including warranty terms, reliability, safety, manufacturer origin, and performance in low light or high temperature conditions.

Myth #5: Solar power is only for companies who prioritize environmental stewardship over profit.

This myth is false.

While it is true that solar and renewables have distinct environmental advantages compared to fossil fuels, it is also true that solar energy projects create PR and marketing benefits and ROI based on utility savings that mean real-world financial results.

Myth #6: We get a lot of clouds on our island, and that will hurt our investment in the solar-energy project.

That myth is false.

Yes, clouds do decrease the electricity produced by the solar array. But the annual energy production, and the project financial performance, are both based on long-term average weather conditions for your locale. We account for the number of cloudy days in a year and the temperature, and that results in the average monthly and annual production estimates.